Four in 10 Have Had Office Romance, Survey Says

(CareerBuilder news release) Looking for love this Valentine’s Day? It may just be in the cube next to you.

According to CareerBuilder’s annual office romance survey of more than 4,000 workers nationwide, thirty-nine percent of workers said they have dated a co-worker at least once over the course of their career; 17 percent reported dating co-workers at least twice. Thirty percent of those who have dated a co-worker said their office romance led them to the altar.

While the majority of relationships developed between peers, 29 percent of workers who have dated someone at work said they have dated someone above them in the company hierarchy, and16 percent admitted to dating their boss. Women were more likely to date someone higher up in their organization – 38 percent compared to 21 percent of men.
Which Industries Have the Most Romance?

Leisure & Hospitality leads the top five industries for office romances, coming in higher than the national average:

More than one-in-four workers (26 percent) reported that what someone does for a living influences whether they would date that person. Six percent of workers said someone broke up with them because their job required too many hours at the office, they didn’t make enough money or the person didn’t like their line of work.

Do Opposites Really Attract?

While the majority of workers tended to date people in different professions or functions, one-in-five workers (20 percent) reported that they are more attracted to people who have a similar job.

Where Do Office Romances Begin?

Social settings outside of the office were cited most often in regard to workers connecting on a romantic level. Running into each other outside of work (12 percent), happy hours (12 percent), late nights at work (12 percent), followed by at lunch (11 percent) were among the most popular catalysts for dating co-workers.

Are Relationships Better Kept Secret?

Most workers who have had office romances said they were open about their dating situation. Thirty-five percent reported they had to keep the relationship under wraps.